'Blonde' Review: Ana de Armas Shines, But Netflix Film Falls Flat
When Andrew Dominik’s Blonde landed on Netflix in 2022, it didn’t just spark conversation; it ignited a firestorm. As the first Netflix original to receive an , the film promised a raw, unfiltered look at the life of Marilyn Monroe. But for lead actress Ana de Armas, "raw" meant more than just artistic expression—it meant navigating harrowing scenes that left a lasting mark on her and the audience alike. A Controversial Vision
The NC-17 rating was largely driven by what the MPAA described as "some sexual content," which included a graphic rape scene. This specific moment was so intense that Netflix reportedly brought in an additional editor to "curb the excesses" of the film. "Harder for People to Watch Than for Me to Make"
: De Armas noted that she felt "very protected and safe" during filming, thanks to the constant presence of an intimacy coordinator .
: Surprisingly, she claimed that these harrowing scenes were "harder for people to watch than they were for her to make" because she understood the narrative purpose behind every shot.
Based on the biographical fiction by Joyce Carol Oates, Blonde was never intended to be a traditional biopic. Instead, it’s a "demanding" exploration of the trauma Monroe faced, blurring the lines between her public persona and the private suffering of Norma Jeane.
While de Armas felt secure on set, she expressed frustration over the digital afterlife of these scenes. She acknowledged the inevitability of "bold scenes" going viral and being taken out of context, calling it "disgusting" to think about how her vulnerability could be exploited online.
'Blonde' Review: Ana de Armas Shines, But Netflix Film Falls Flat
When Andrew Dominik’s Blonde landed on Netflix in 2022, it didn’t just spark conversation; it ignited a firestorm. As the first Netflix original to receive an , the film promised a raw, unfiltered look at the life of Marilyn Monroe. But for lead actress Ana de Armas, "raw" meant more than just artistic expression—it meant navigating harrowing scenes that left a lasting mark on her and the audience alike. A Controversial Vision
The NC-17 rating was largely driven by what the MPAA described as "some sexual content," which included a graphic rape scene. This specific moment was so intense that Netflix reportedly brought in an additional editor to "curb the excesses" of the film. "Harder for People to Watch Than for Me to Make"
: De Armas noted that she felt "very protected and safe" during filming, thanks to the constant presence of an intimacy coordinator .
: Surprisingly, she claimed that these harrowing scenes were "harder for people to watch than they were for her to make" because she understood the narrative purpose behind every shot.
Based on the biographical fiction by Joyce Carol Oates, Blonde was never intended to be a traditional biopic. Instead, it’s a "demanding" exploration of the trauma Monroe faced, blurring the lines between her public persona and the private suffering of Norma Jeane.
While de Armas felt secure on set, she expressed frustration over the digital afterlife of these scenes. She acknowledged the inevitability of "bold scenes" going viral and being taken out of context, calling it "disgusting" to think about how her vulnerability could be exploited online.